Four trade bodies join campaign calling for a review of Heathrow’s regulatory framework

Four trade bodies representing the airline, travel and tourism sectors have joined a consortium of representative bodies and airlines in calling for a major regulation reform at London’s Heathrow airport.

The Business Travel Association (BTA), The Advantage Travel Partnership, The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and The Board of Airlines Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) are the latest trade bodies to join the Heathrow Reimagined campaign.

Heathrow Reimagined was set up in February by The Heathrow Airline Operators’ Committee (Heathrow AOC), Arora Group, International Airlines Group (IAG), and Virgin Atlantic, with the aim to work with industry, government and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to achieve reform at the UK airport. Both American Airlines and IATA have also joined the campaign since its launch.

The campaign argues that Heathrow Airport Limited’s market position has led to spending inefficiently, meaning the airport has acted against the interest of both consumers and airlines. Heathrow Reimagined represents the first time these parties have come together, as they believe the airport is not “fit for purpose”.

“The Travel & Tourism sector contributed £280bn ($361.7bn) to the UK economy last year, making Heathrow, its only hub airport, even more critical in unlocking economic growth across the country,” said Julia Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the WTTC.

Simpson added: “It is clear that for too long, despite being the most expensive airport in the world, Heathrow hasn’t provided value for money for passengers and airlines alike. The CAA now has an opportunity and duty to review what has gone wrong.”

The campaign is aiming to engage with the wider industry and government to achieve its primary objective of fundamental reform that will align with the UK government’s growth agenda.